Chapter 179: Covering everything and laying out Taiyuan!

With a splash, Li Xingyun lay in the bathtub, the hot water with red petals covering his chest. From his perspective, amid the flickering candlelight, a pair of sleek jade legs stepped into the water.

Li Xingyun looked at the graceful lady in front of him who was wearing a silk robe and couldn't help but said, "Yun Ji, didn't you say..."

"Shh!"

The empress bent down and gently touched Li Xingyun's lips with her scallion-like fingers and said, "Don't think too much. Serve me obediently. You are mine tonight."

Li Xingyun couldn't help but smile, leaned on the edge of the bathtub with his toes, held his head with both hands and said: "Then please have mercy on me, King Qi."

The empress said domineeringly: "Of course! Why don't you let me undress?"

"Haha." Li Xingyun pointed his finger, and a golden sword energy suddenly bounced on the belt around the empress's waist. With a whoosh, the long robe slipped off, and for a moment, the charming scenery was infinite...

Wow.

Wow.

The empress took light steps, her long legs skimming across the water, leaving ripples behind.

Ding dong.

Li Xingyun tapped his fingertips lightly, then reached his hands into the water and hugged the person.

"nebula."

Although the empress's voice maintained the demeanor of King Qi, there was still a slight tremor in her tone.

"I'm going to Taiyuan, take care and come back safely."

"Ah."

Li Xingyun looked up and saw an alluring red color appearing on the snowy peak without him noticing.

"What are you doing, kid?"

"I didn't move randomly... I moved with a plan, a rhythm, and with emotion..."

"Bah, you're such a chatterbox!"

"Begging for a beating!"

"Ouch..."

……

The next day.

Li Xingyun, with a slight bruise on his left eye, was full of energy and wearing a red brocade robe while sitting in the study to handle the affairs of equal distribution of land.

"Your Highness, there's a letter from the Mirror Heart Demon." A bad guy in black suddenly appeared in the room.

Li Xingyun took the letter from the Bad Man.

There were only three simple sentences written in black and white.

"After Li Cunxu recovered from his injury, he planned to attack Zhao again next spring to avenge his previous defeat."

"Tongwenguan is actively searching for Khitan Khan Yelu Abaoji."

"Tongwenguan will punish him severely. Zhang Zifan doesn't have much time left."

Zhao State is currently also an important chess piece of Li Xingyun. This chess piece is like a sharp knife inserted in the heart of Jin State. Li Cunxu is not a patient man. He must find a way to pull out this nail. However, how can Li Xingyun do as he wishes? This trip to Taiyuan will make it impossible for Jin State to take care of both ends!
As for Yelu Abaoji, Li Xingyun does not have the energy to intervene for the time being. Let him be. Now is not the time to deal with Mobei. The Central Plains is in chaos. He will deal with Mobei when he has time.

Li Xingyun burned the letter and said calmly, "Got it. Tell Jing Xinmo to wait for the right opportunity. If necessary, you can let Zhang Zifan teach you the Five Thunders Heavenly Heart Art to save his life. Let him reveal the news that Tianshi Mansion wants to rescue Zhang Zifan to gain Li Ying's trust. Besides, don't contact me. Reduce the scope of Taiyuan's bad people's activities. In this Taiyuan rescue operation, he and Zhang Chengye must not reveal any flaws."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will go and inform Jing Xinmo right away." The bad guy immediately bowed and took his leave.

"Someone come here." Li Xingyun shouted.

"Your Highness."

Li Xingyun waved his hand and said, "Go inform them, it's time to set off!"

Not long after, Chi Meng, Shangguan Yunque, Lu Linxuan, Ji Ruxue, and the elder sister who was gnawing on a big chicken leg appeared in front of Li Xingyun.

"Sister, after we go to Taiyuan, you should return the body to Ying Gou." Li Xingyun said to his sister.

The elder sister nodded. Li Xingyun had been providing her with food, drink and entertainment every day recently, so she had no reason to refuse.

"Your Highness, we received a letter from the Tianshi Mansion saying that Zhang Xuanling and Master Jijiu have already left for Taiyuan." Shangguan Yunque said with a bow.

Li Xingyun said calmly: "Well, tell him to meet in Taiyuan!"

……

Luoyang, Firearms Department.

This is a new organization established after Hanba's return, the Firearms Department, which was created specifically to research new firearms and gunpowder.

"Have you heard that three more brothers died in the Firearms Department yesterday?"

"Alas, six or seven of our brothers have died this month. What on earth is this new firearm? It's so powerful."

"I don't know. I just heard a loud bang and the ground shook."

Two clerks were leaning against the door of the Firearms Department and whispering. Ever since the new Lord Hanba took office, the treatment of those newly transferred to the Firearms Department was more than twice as good as before, but correspondingly, good treatment meant taking risks.

Inside the Firearms Department, Hanba frowned as he looked at the iron barrel in front of him that was as thick as his arm and said helplessly, "It can't be any thinner. The iron barrel still has problems and is prone to bursting. This is no longer a problem with my gunpowder, but a problem with my forging technology."

"Such power is already quite extraordinary." Hou Qing, who was dressed in white, held a crossbow in his hand and said, "According to your Highness's intention, he wants to simplify the artillery into a lightweight device like a military crossbow, but such firearms are far less powerful than bows and crossbows at present."

"Not necessarily." Hanba said in a muffled voice: "If you put iron sand in the fire tube, ignite the gunpowder and use the explosion to spray the iron sand, the power is quite good, but the speed of loading gunpowder and iron sand is too slow, and its efficiency is not as good as a crossbow."

Now, the factor that limits Hanba's research on firearms is no longer the gunpowder factor. The most fatal thing is that the smelting and forging technology of the entire Liang State cannot support his research on firearms.

"Then wouldn't it be meaningless to research this firearm?" Hou Qing has been hanging out with Hanba for so many days and has learned a lot of common sense about firearms. You know, the conditions for using firearms are much more stringent than bows and crossbows, and gunpowder cannot be exposed to moisture at all. If it is exposed to moisture, it will be useless.

"Of course it makes sense, but we just can't improve it right now." Hanba said, holding a jar of explosives that looked like a wine jar. "Although it doesn't meet your highness's requirements yet, it's still easy to optimize the Daliang Invincible General Cannon and make bombs. I believe we can use them on this trip to Taiyuan."

Although Hanba has not yet developed a musket, it will be no problem for him to modify the cannon again.

Just as Hanba finished speaking, a loud voice came from outside the door, "Report, Master Hanba, Xuanming Sect's Chu Yun wants to see you."

Hanba and Hou Qing looked at each other and said, "Let him in!"

"Greetings, two corpse ancestors!" Chu Yun, dressed as an elite soldier of the Xuanming Sect, bowed to the two of them.

"Is there any news from His Highness?" Hou Qing asked.

"Reporting to the Corpse Ancestors, His Highness has arrived in Luoyang. Please ask the two Corpse Ancestors to prepare the firearms early. This is the list listed by His Highness. His Highness said that this trip will definitely allow the gunpowder of the Hanba Corpse Ancestor to show its power, and at the same time let the Houqing Corpse Ancestor show his divinity in front of people and become the most virtuous person in Taiyuan!" Chu Yun was holding back his laughter when he said this. He really felt that none of the four Corpse Ancestors seemed to be normal, but their own Prince seemed to be particularly good at controlling these four Corpse Ancestors.

"Okay!" Hanba groaned.

"That's right, you show off your prowess in front of everyone. I'm already looking forward to this trip to Taiyuan." Hou Qing curled the corners of his mouth slightly. This Li Xingyun was really to his taste. Even his way of speaking was so good. He loved to hear such words!

Shizu Houqing has nothing else to ask for. The four words that run through his life are nothing more than good character and handsomeness!

……

Xuanming Sect.

"Hey, hey, hey, Li Xingyun, let me tell you, you are discriminating! Why don't you let me go?"

Jiang Chen bared his teeth and pointed at Li Xingyun's nose and scolded her, asking why three of the four great corpse ancestors had gone, but she was not taken to play!
Li Xingyun looked embarrassed. He didn't know how to say directly that the four corpse ancestors are just four idiots who can't accomplish anything when they are together.

"I, I just feel that it is not worth bothering you to help this small Taiyuan, right?"

Li Xingyun smiled awkwardly.

"Bah! I'm just eighteen this year." Jiang Chen snorted.

Zhong Xiaokui on the side almost couldn't help laughing. You are still eighteen years old. When I was eight years old, Xiaokui, Zhu Wen was like your grandson in front of you.

"Yes, yes, you are eighteen every year!" Li Xingyun said in a gloomy tone.

Jiang Chen took a breath and said, "Hiss." She pointed at Li Xingyun and nodded, "Okay, okay, now you are at the Great Heavenly Level and your tone of voice is tough. What else do you want to do? Do you still want to..." Jiang Chen suddenly stopped talking here and waved his hand, saying, "I can not go, but my salary will be increased!"

"Okay, what do you want?"

Li Xingyun nodded. Jiang Chen had been researching and improving the martial arts and matching military formations for the Tian'an Army, and he had indeed made great contributions. Therefore, as long as the request was not particularly excessive, Li Xingyun would not refuse Jiang Chen.

"Do you know Li Keyong, the Prince of Jin?" Jiang Chen raised his chin towards Li Xingyun.

Li Xingyun frowned slightly and said, "I haven't seen it."

Jiang Chen pointed at his own eyes and said, "That old guy is blind in one eye, but he still has one good eye. The eyes of the dignified King Jin must be very valuable for collection. I want you to bring his eyes back to me!"

"Your hobby..." Li Xingyun couldn't help but curl his lips. He really had no idea how to describe Jiang Chen's collecting hobby.

"Just tell me if it's possible or not." Jiang Chen crossed his arms and a deep white groove appeared on his face.

"Prince of Jin Li Keyong..." Li Xingyun held his forehead and said, "You really know how to give me difficult problems. You should know something about that old guy's abilities. Plus, the Jin State behind him...hiss, you really dare to think."

Jiang Chen snorted and said, "I don't care. You promised me anyway. However, considering that this matter is indeed somewhat difficult, I can consider giving you some time."

"Okay, it's settled then."

Li Xingyun waved his hand, then looked at Shi Yao and Sanqianyuan who were standing behind Zhong Xiaokui.

"Tianyou Xing Shiyao, I have heard of your great name for a long time."

"Your Highness, please stop making fun of Shi Yao." Shi Yao smiled softly and said, "When Your Highness goes to Taiyuan, do you need Liang to put some pressure on the border of Jin?"

Sanqianyuan also added: "I have already controlled the right to speak of Liang officials in the court. If Your Highness needs it, we can mobilize Liang to attack Jin to create opportunities for your actions."

Li Xingyun raised his eyebrows and said, "We can start this war, but we can't use our people. Those Jiedushi have been pretending to be friendly for so long, they should also make some efforts, offer some real benefits, release several important official positions in Liang, and let these Jiedushi fight each other!"

Party struggles are no joke. Although these Jiedushi hold local military and political power, none of them wants to completely lose the right to speak in the Liang court, so the various factions among the Liang officials are very distinct. However, with Zhong Xiaokui in charge of the Xuanming Sect, Shi Yao and the Three Thousand Court's various arrangements in Luoyang, and the last case of killing corrupt officials, this directly cut off half of the Jiedushi's black hands in Luoyang.

So now Li Xingyun has to give up some control over Luoyang in order to seduce these military governors to work for him.

"This is feasible!" Sanqianyuan nodded and said, "I will arrange it immediately."

"Have all the people in the palace been replaced by our people?" Li Xingyun glanced at Shi Yao. Although she was old, she was well maintained. Her skin was smooth and she looked to be in her twenties.

Shi Yao bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness, except for the concubines and eunuchs in the palace, the guards and maids have all been replaced by our people. If Your Highness wants to start a coup, you can do so at any time."

"The palace coup has already happened once in Luoyang. It would be boring if it happened again." Li Xingyun said with a smile, "Wait, I will put on a big show for Zhu Youzhen."

"Your Highness, I also have something important to report!" Zhong Xiaokui bowed to Li Xingyun in a formal manner.

Li Xingyun was a little curious, "Xiao Kui, what's the matter?"

"This matter is of great importance. Your Highness, please ask your attendants to leave." Zhong Xiaokui said solemnly.

Shi Yao and Sanqianyuan looked at each other and left at the same time. Jiang Chen rolled his eyes. How could she not know what this little girl was thinking? Zhong Xiaokui's matter was nothing, just a trivial matter.

"Tsk, it's a big deal!"

Jiang Chen turned away with a weird look on his face. She didn't want to stay here and be part of their lovemaking. Besides, she was getting old and couldn't stand the noise. She couldn't use her hands again...

"Xiao Kui, what's the matter?" Li Xingyun probably guessed Zhong Xiaokui's little thoughts, but at this time he also cooperated with Zhong Xiaokui's performance and asked seriously.

"..."

The two looked at each other.

Zhong Xiaokui suddenly pursed her lips, then jumped lightly and hooked her arms around Li Xingyun's neck.

"Your Highness, Xiaokui misses you."

Zhong Xiaokui originally wanted to play some role-playing with her own prince, but when Li Xingyun really stood in front of her, the surging thoughts surged into her heart. She no longer had the heart to play and just wanted to hug him tightly.

Li Xingyun held Zhong Xiaokui in one hand and took out a hairpin from his bosom with the other hand and said, "Your Lantern Festival gift was picked out for you by Yun Ji."

How could Zhong Xiaokui not know who Yun Ji was that Li Xingyun was talking about? She had collected a lot of information about King Qi and the Empress in her room. Her dark red eyes moved, and Zhong Xiaokui said softly, "Your Highness, let Xiaokui put it on."

"Yes." Li Xingyun put the hairpin on Zhong Xiaokui and said softly, "Thank you for your hard work. The Xuanming Sect can now extend its hands to the right place..."

At this moment, Zhong Xiaokui blushed and asked, "Just like your hand, Your Highness?"

"Hey, relax, Xiaokui, you're using too much force."

"Oh~"

"Hmm~"

"Your Highness..."

"Can Xiaokui transform them all into bad people?"

"Your Highness can do it well, Xiaokui can do it too!"

……

(End of this chapter)